Cape Cod massage parlor owner with alleged Chinese mafia ties charged with human...

[massage]

A Wareham massage parlor owner with alleged ties to the Chinese mafia is facing a charge of human trafficking following accusations that he brought women from New York to perform sex work in his businesses.

Mark J. Clinton, 49, was arraigned Friday on a charge of trafficking of a person for sexual servitude in Falmouth District Court, the Cape Cod Times reported. He was ordered held on $50,000 bail.

Clinton's arrest followed a lengthy investigation, in which federal, state and local authorities staked out his massage parlors, tracked his cars and received information on his alleged criminal activities from his mother.

Clinton owned massage businesses in Sandwich, East Falmouth and Fairhaven, NECN reported.

Fairhaven, Sandwich and Falmouth police learned independently of alleged sex work at Clinton's businesses following tips and complaints, the Cape Cod Times reported. A nearby business owner told Falmouth police that Clinton's Ancient Chinese Wellness Center drew a constant stream of middle aged men, and police later found an ad for the massage parlor on Backpage -- a classifieds website often used to advertise prostutition.

Clinton's mother told Fairhaven police she believed her son had connections to the Chinese mafia and was trafficking women from New York to force them to perform sexual acts for money, according to the Cape Cod Times. Police said they placed a GPS tracker on Clinton's car and confirmed he was making trips to New York.

Sandwich Police Chief Peter Wack told the Cape Cod Times police had identified one person who was trafficked to work between the three massage parlors. One customer allegedly told Falmouth officers he had paid for sexual services at the business.

Clinton's East Falmough massage parlor has 14 reviews on rubmaps.com, a website that lists massage businesses that provide sexual services.

Clinton pleaded not guilty to the charge.

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